When you are working with MFi certified products, there are different to-dos that you need to follow when creating a product.
1. Find a Registered MFi Developer.
2. Find an Apple Approved Manufacturer.
3. Develop an MFi Product Concept and Submit it for Approval.
4. Set up Compliance Testing for Production Launch.
5. Check Legal Requirements and Obtain Certifications (if needed).
6. Launch the Product!
7. Contact Us!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully managed to manufacture an MFi-certified product. This is a significant achievement and you should be proud of yourself. Unfortunately, the hard part is still ahead of you.
In this post, we’ll go over different tips that can help you stand out from your competition and thrive in this market.
1. Getting listed in the MFi Program Catalog
The MFi Program Catalog is a public listing for all Apple-approved MFi accessories that are available for purchase around the world. It’s a great way to get discovered by customers and distributors worldwide, which is why it’s so important to be listed there. You can find more information on how to get listed here: https://developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/catalog/.
2. Create a great landing page for your product
Landing pages are one of the first things people will see when looking for your product online. They will judge you based on your landing page, so make sure it looks professional and includes all the information about your company and product people might be looking for (e.g., certification details, features list, photos etc.).
3. Include marketing materials in every box
If possible, include a small marketing leaflet
When it comes to working with Apple products, there is a whole world of accessories and products that can be made. Many companies choose to create an accessory for Apple products, but they have to go through the process of having their product certified. This is where MFi certification comes in.
MFi stands for “Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad” and is a licensing program created by Apple that allows companies to build products that interface with Apple devices. The program includes guidelines for design, manufacture, packaging, and distribution. These guidelines are put in place so users receive a safe and high-quality experience from their products.
Before you begin your MFi certification process, there are some things you should know about MFi certification and how it works.
Do you have an awesome product idea? Sweet. It can be a cable, speaker, battery pack or any other accessory that works with an iOS device. You have to get your product MFi certified by Apple in order to sell it on the market or through Apple’s channels. MFi certification is harder than it seems, and there are many examples of accessories that never made it to the market because they failed to comply with technical requirements.
Here are 7 essential steps you need to take before you start working on your MFi product:
1) Get the Made for iPhone (MFi) license
The process is fairly straightforward but it can take several weeks and requires a lot of documentation from your company. You will also need to pay $7000 per year for the license, plus some money for each product you make and test (MFI certification costs). Apple will check your company and may ask for more info. If everything goes well, Apple will send you a welcome letter and will provide access to the MFi Portal so you can download all required materials.
2) Go through all the documentation
There are many documents you have to study carefully before getting started. They include:
License Agreement, Program Requirements, etc… The most important document is
You may have heard the term “MFi Certified” in your research, but what does it mean? We’re here to break down what MFi certification is, explain why it’s important, and give you tips on how to achieve it for your next product.
Apple devices are designed for high-end power users. These users value superior quality products that are easy to use and intuitive. The MFi program was created with these users in mind to ensure the highest level of compatibility between Apple products and third-party devices.
If you’re creating a new product that will interact with an Apple device, MFi certification is required before you can sell your product. Even if you’re not selling your product directly to consumers, but rather as a component a larger piece of equipment (like medical machines or industrial sensors), an MFi chip is still required to support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication. Since BLE allows for direct communication between devices, it has become the preferred wireless protocol for portable consumer electronics.
To get started with the MFI program, you need to apply online at developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/. Upon approval of your application, Apple will provide you with access to technical specifications, testing tools, identification requirements, and more.
The Made For iPhone (MFi) certification program is a licensing requirement for hardware manufacturers that want to make any product that uses Apple’s proprietary technologies. MFi was launched by Apple in 2005 to provide a standard of quality and safety for electronic accessories that connect to an iPhone, iPad or iPod.
Here are a few important things to consider when you’re developing an MFi certified product:
1. Decide whether your product needs an MFi license
2. Choose the right connector for your product
3. Understand the different levels of MFi certification
4. Understand the basic requirements for each type of hardware you plan to build
5. Set up your development team with access to the appropriate tools and software
6. Read the certification specifications and guides carefully before you start designing your product
7. Make sure your product meets all applicable regulatory requirements
The MFi (made for iPhone/iPad/iPod) licensing program is a serious endeavor. Apple’s recent changes to the program have made it possible for companies to get their products certified in a much faster and more effective way, but there are still several steps you’ll need to take to ensure that your product gets the certification that you’re counting on.
The MFi Program is extremely thorough, and any mistakes in the process can cause major delays—or even permanent rejection. Here are some tips that will help you get your product certified:
Find an experienced partner. Manufacturers of MFi-certified accessories are required to partner with an authorized MFi Licensee who can produce chipsets for them. This has been significantly streamlined with Apple’s recent changes to the program, but it is still imperative to choose carefully when selecting an MFi Licensee. Some are more willing than others to work with small companies, and many have a much stronger track record than others when it comes to successfully certifying products.
Select an appropriate category for your product. Apple now offers four different categories—Audio/Video Accessories, Charging Accessories, Hardware Accessories, and Automotive Accessories—and each has its own specific requirements for certification. Be sure that you understand the requirements